Signs of an election

Despite the absence of a city council race due to a lack of candidates, evidence of an election season are appearing in Sonoma. Lawn signs are popping up in front of homes and businesses all over town in support of local school board candidates, and Measure W, which would renew Sonoma’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB).

One sign in support of Measure Y, which would expand cannabis retailing in town, appears in front of the old Community Cafe building on West Napa Street — a site once proposed as a location for a cannabis store.

Sonoma’s UGB has been in place to prevent sprawl for the past 20 years but will expire this year if it’s not renewed by voters. The City Council placed the renewal measure “W” on the ballot, and based upon the number of lawn signs, its supporters are mounting a vigorous campaign.

School board elections are now district-based, rather than at large. Incumbent Britta Johnson and challenger Anne Ching are vying for a School District 5 seat.

Absentee voting has always been popular in Sonoma, and in this pandemic election year, the number of ballots sent by mail will be larger than ever. Authorities are suggesting voters mail their ballots at least two weeks prior to Election Day (Nov. 3) so all votes are received in time.

As for the Sonoma City Council, two seats were up. But since only incumbent Amy Harrington, and businessman Jack Ding, were the only official candidates, both have already “won.”